US20040258019A1 - Forwarding a terminal identity between core network nodes - Google Patents
Forwarding a terminal identity between core network nodes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040258019A1 US20040258019A1 US10/492,255 US49225504A US2004258019A1 US 20040258019 A1 US20040258019 A1 US 20040258019A1 US 49225504 A US49225504 A US 49225504A US 2004258019 A1 US2004258019 A1 US 2004258019A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- core network
- network node
- terminal identity
- terminal
- signaling message
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W8/00—Network data management
- H04W8/02—Processing of mobility data, e.g. registration information at HLR [Home Location Register] or VLR [Visitor Location Register]; Transfer of mobility data, e.g. between HLR, VLR or external networks
- H04W8/08—Mobility data transfer
- H04W8/12—Mobility data transfer between location registers or mobility servers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W12/00—Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
- H04W12/08—Access security
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W12/00—Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
- H04W12/60—Context-dependent security
- H04W12/69—Identity-dependent
- H04W12/72—Subscriber identity
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W12/00—Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
- H04W12/60—Context-dependent security
- H04W12/69—Identity-dependent
- H04W12/75—Temporary identity
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W60/00—Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
- H04W60/04—Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration using triggered events
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
- H04W88/08—Access point devices
- H04W88/10—Access point devices adapted for operation in multiple networks, e.g. multi-mode access points
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method, system and network elements for forwarding a terminal identity, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) or Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) from a first core network node to at least a second core network node via a common radio access network, such as a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
- a terminal identity such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) or Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) from a first core network node to at least a second core network node via a common radio access network, such as a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
- IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity
- TMSI Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity
- UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
- UTRAN Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
- the UMTS system consists of a number of logical network elements that each have a defined functionality.
- network elements are defined at the logical level, but this quite often results in a similar physical implementation, especially since there are a number of open interfaces (for an interface to be “open”, the requirement is that it has been defined to such a detailed level that the equipment at the endpoints can be from two different manufacturers).
- the network elements can be grouped based on similar functionality, or based on which sub-network they belong to. Functionally, the network elements are grouped into the Radio Access Network (RAN) which handles all radio-related functionality, and the core network (CN) which is responsible for switching and routing calls and data connections to external networks.
- RAN Radio Access Network
- CN core network
- a terminal device or user equipment (UE) provides an interface to a user.
- both UE and UTRAN consist of completely new protocols, the design of which is based on the needs of the new Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) radio technology.
- WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access
- GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
- an intradomain connection of RAN nodes to several CN nodes may be used to connect CN nodes of multiple operators to a single RAN.
- a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) node selection function in the RAN nodes differentiates between CN nodes which may be of different operators. Preferably, the available NRI values are split between the operators.
- the NAS node selection function in the RAN node is configured to know which NRI values belong to which operator.
- a mobile terminal which is not yet assigned to a CN node, i.e. there is no CN node configured for the NRI indicated by the mobile terminal, is assigned to an available CN node of that operator which uses the indicated NRI value.
- the mobile terminal is assigned to a CN node selected from all available CN nodes.
- the selection of a CN node may result in the assignment to a CN node of a “wrong” operator as, for example, the NRI may be derived from a TMSI which was allocated by a CN node of another network or by a CN node of an area which does not use the intra-domain connection of RAN nodes to multiple CN nodes.
- the CN node rejects the attach or update request procedure.
- the NAS node selection function in the RAN node then selects an available CN node of another operator.
- the TMSI or IMSI is provided in the attached message. Due to the above RAN sharing concept, each selected new CN node needs to derive the IMSI again. Deriving the IMSI includes radio signaling for identity request and authentication which implies significant delays. Such delays may exceed normal routing area update (RAU) procedure timings triggering the mobile terminal to resend its request message. Thus, network signaling is increased and a risk of misbehavior of the mobile terminal is introduced. Moreover, sending the IMSI several times over the radio interface is a security risk which should be avoided.
- RAU routing area update
- This object is achieved by a method for forwarding a terminal identity from a first core network node to a second core network node, said method comprising the steps of:
- this signaling message is the Initial signaling message used to establish a connection to the second core network node. It may also be a message dedicated for this purpose, or any signaling message sent by the radio access network to the second core network node, after the radio access network has received the terminal identity.
- a system for forwarding a terminal identity between core network nodes comprising:
- a first core network node arranged to derive said terminal identity from a signaling message received from a concerned terminal device
- a radio access network shared by said first core network node and a second core network node and arranged to receive said derived terminal identity from said first core network node, and to add said received terminal identity to an initial signaling message;
- said second core network node is arranged to receive said initial signaling message and to use said added terminal identity for addressing said terminal device.
- a network element of a radio access network said network element being arranged to receive a derived terminal identity from a first core network node, to add said terminal identity if available to a signaling message, and to transmit said initial signaling message to an other core network node.
- a network element of a core network said network element being arranged to extract a terminal identity of a terminal device from an initial signaling message generated at a radio access network, and to use said terminal identity for an initial access to said terminal device.
- a network element of a core network said network element being arranged to derive a terminal identity from a signaling message received from a terminal device, to evaluate said terminal identity as to whether said terminal device is to be served by said core network, and to transmit said derived terminal identity together with a request for re-direction to a radio access network if said evaluation indicates that said terminal device is to be served by another core network.
- the initial signaling message may preferably be a RANAP (Radio Access Network Application Part) Initial UE Message. Due to the fact that the Initial UE Message already includes specific information required by the addressed core network, such as a core network domain indicator and other domain specific parameters, the new feature can be introduced at small protocol changes.
- RANAP Radio Access Network Application Part
- the terminal identity is preferably an IMSI. But it may also be a PTMSI or TMSI, or any other terminal identity.
- security parameters may be transmitted together with the terminal identity from the first core network node via the shared access network to the second core network node.
- These security parameters may comprise a simple indication that the radio connection is already secure (i.e. ciphering and integrity check are in use) and/or an integrity protection Information, encryption information, key status.
- the terminal identity may be evaluated at the network node of the first core network, and the transmitting step to the radio access network may be performed if the result of the evaluation indicates that the terminal device is to be served by another core network.
- the transmitting step to the access network may comprise the step of transmitting a re-direction request from said network node of said first core network to said radio access network.
- the transmitting step to the access network may be performed during a Common ID procedure.
- a security mode procedure may be performed directly between the network node of the first core network and the access network.
- the network node of the first core network may be an SGSN or an MSC/VLR, while the network node of the second core network may be an MSC/VLR or an SGSN, respectively.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a network architecture having a shared radio access network, in which the present invention can be implemented
- FIG. 2 shows a signaling diagram indicating a forwarding of a terminal identity between two core networks, according to a first preferred embodiment
- FIG. 3 shows a signaling diagram indicating a forwarding of a terminal identity between two core networks, according to a second preferred embodiment
- FIG. 4 shows a signaling diagram indicating a forwarding of a terminal identity between two core networks, according to a third preferred embodiment.
- a user equipment (UE) 10 is connected via a radio interface to a radio network sub-system (RNS) of the UTRAN.
- the RNS comprises two node Bs 21 , 22 which are arranged to convert the data flow between an Uu interface (provided between the UE 10 and the respective node B) and lub interfaces (provided between a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 30 and the node Bs 21 , 22 ).
- RNC Radio Network Controller
- the RNC 30 owns and controls the radio resources in its domain, i.e. the node Bs 21 22 connected to it.
- the RNC 30 is the service access point for all services the UTRAN provides to core networks (indicated as dofted boxes in FIG. 1) which share the UTRAN.
- Each of the core networks comprises a Mobile Services Switching Center/Visitor Location Register (MSC/VLR) 41 , 51 having a switching function (MSC) and data base (VLR) serving the UE 10 in its current location for circuit switched (CS) services.
- the MSC function is used to switch CS transactions, and the VLR function holds a copy of a visiting user's service profile, as well as more precise information on the location of the UE 10 within the serving system.
- the part-of the core network which is accessed via the MSC/VLRs 41 , 51 is referred to as the CS domain.
- each of the core networks comprises a Serving GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) Support Node (SGSN) 42 , 52 having a functionality similar to that of the MSC/VLRs 41 , 51 but being typically used for packet switched (PS) services.
- SGSN Serving GPRS
- PS packet switched
- the system consists of at least one mobile terminal, i.e. the UE 10 , and one radio access network, i.e. the UTRAN, and at least two core networks being able to serve the UE 10 in a given area.
- an authenticated terminal identity e.g. IMSI
- IMSI authenticated terminal identity
- the preferred embodiments may be improved in that security parameters (e.g. Integrity Key (IK), Ciphering Key (CK)) are sent along with the terminal identity via the UTRAN from one of the core networks to the other.
- security parameters e.g. Integrity Key (IK), Ciphering Key (CK)
- IK Integrity Key
- CK Ciphering Key
- the security parameters may as well be sent by the first one of the core networks to the UTRAN in a separate procedure.
- FIG. 2 shows a signaling diagram of a first preferred embodiment, where the RAN sharing is based on flexibility principles of the lu interface between the UTRAN and first and second core network nodes CN 1 , CN 2 .
- an attach or update request may be sent to a new core network which is not the proper one for the concerned terminal device, i.e. it belongs to a different operator.
- a NAS (None-Access Stratum) message (i.e. a message which belongs to a protocol between the UE 10 and a desired core network, that it is not terminated in the UTRAN) is transmitted from the UE 10 to the RNC 30 of the UTRAN via one of the node Bs 21 , 22 .
- This NAS message may be an attach or routing area update (RAU) request to be routed to the respective core network.
- RAU routing area update
- the RNC 30 is arranged to incorporate this attach or RAU request into an Initial UE message of the RANAP (i.e. a signaling protocol in the lu interface that contains all the control information specified for the radio network layer).
- the purpose of the Initial UE Message procedure is to establish an lu signaling connection between a CN domain and the RNC 30 and to transfer the initial NAS packet data unit (NAS-PDU) to the concerned core network.
- This procedure uses a connection oriented signaling.
- the RNC 30 When the RNC 30 has received from the radio interface the NAS message to be forwarded to a CN domain to which a lu signaling connection for the UE 10 does not exist, the RNC 30 initiates the initial UE Message procedure and sends an Initial UE Message to the concerned first core network node CN 1 , as indicated in FIG. 2.
- the RNC 30 may add other information to the Initial UE Message.
- This other information may comprise a CN domain indicator, indicating the CN domain toward which this message is sent, a Location Area Identity (LAI) which was the last LAI indicated to the UE 10 by the UTRAN via the current radio resource control (RRC) connection, or, if the UTRAN had not yet indicated any LAI to the UE via the current RRC connection, then the LAI of the cell via which the current RRC connection was established, an additional Routing Area Code (RAC) if the PS domain is used, a service area corresponding to at least one of the cells from which the UE 10 is consuming radio resources, an lu signaling connection identifier, and/or a global RNC identifier.
- the lu signaling connection identifier is allocated by the RNC 30 , and is required by the first core network node CN 1 for the duration of the lu connection.
- the first core network node CN 1 i.e. the MSC/VLR 41 or the SGSN 42 , receives the attach or routing area update or location area update request via the Initial UE Message from the UE 10 and derives the IMSI by e.g. a corresponding radio signaling which may include an identity request and an authentication procedure, and thus implies significant delays (IMSI and security parameters may also be requested from previous CN node as well).
- IMSI and security parameters may also be requested from previous CN node as well.
- the first core network node CN 1 may evaluate if it is the appropriate node to serve this IMSI (IMSI does indicate the home operator of the subscriber). The evaluation may also be made on the basis of the corresponding PTMSI/TMSI of the UE 10 if the first core network node CNI knows how the PTMSI/TMSI was allocated. In practice, this is possible if the old RA/LA belongs to same network. The evaluation indicates whether the UE 10 should be served by another core network sharing the UTRAN.
- the first core network node CN 1 may send a re-direct request message comprising the IMSI, and optionally security parameters to the RNC 30 if the UE 10 should be served by the second core network node CN 2 .
- security parameters are typically sent to the UTRAN with a security mode command.
- the first core network node CN 1 decided to redirect this MS to another CN node, it has not sent the security mode command. Therefore the security parameters should be inserted in redirect request message.
- the first network node queried at the core network derives the IMSI of the UE 10 and indicates this IMSI, and optionally security parameters to the UTRAN in the re-direct request, if the first core network node CN 1 is not the proper one.
- the RNC 30 of the UTRAN adds the derived IMSI, and optionally security parameters to a new RANAP initial UE Message carrying the attach or routing area update request of the UE 10 , and transmits this new initial UE Message to the network node, e.g. the MSC/VLR 51 or the SGSN 52 , of the second core network node CN 2 , so that the second core network node CN 2 does not have to derive the IMSI, and if security parameters are included, to perform authentication again.
- the network node e.g. the MSC/VLR 51 or the SGSN 52
- the above re-directing or forwarding procedure between the core networks can be repeated until a correct core network of the right operator has been reached, if the UTRAN is shared by more than two core networks.
- the idea described in FIG. 2 is also applicable if the two core network nodes belong to the same operator, and lu Flex is supported.
- the first CN node e.g. SGSN
- the signaling is strictly identical to what is shown in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 3 shows a signaling diagram of a forwarding procedure according to a second preferred embodiment.
- the IMSI which has been derived e.g. at the SGSN 42 may be transmitted to the RNC 30 of the UTRAN in the course of a Common ID procedure.
- the Common ID management is a function for sending the permanent identification of the UE 10 from a core network to the UTRAN to allow paging coordination from possibly two different CN domains. If the UE 10 is a packet terminal device, it is expected to have a radio connection established during quite a long time, to decrease packet transfer delay. Thus, the probability is high that the UTRAN already knows the IMSI of the UE 10 , since the Common ID procedure was already performed.
- security parameters may already be available since a security mode procedure should have also already been performed between e.g. the SGSN 42 and the UTRAN to set the ciphering and integrity checking on or off.
- the RAN 30 when a call setup is received by the RNC 30 from the MSC/VLR 51 , in order to establish a call, the RAN 30 already knows the IMSI, and typically the security parameters of the UE 10 . Thus, the RNC 30 may add this IMSI and optionally the security parameters to an Initial UE Message which is sent from the RNC 30 to the MSC/VLR 51 . Thereby, it can be avoided that the MSC/VLR 51 has to issue an identity request toward the UE 10 to derive the IMSI.
- the above forwarding procedure according to the second embodiment may as well be performed from the MSC/VLR 51 to the SGSN 42 by using a similar mechanism.
- the procedure may be performed between an SGSN or an MSC/VLR and an MSC/VLR or, respectively, an SGSN. It should be noted, that the idea described above is applicable regardless if MSC and SGSN belong to the same operator or to different operators.
- the MSC/VLR 51 does not have to perform the authentication over the radio interface, but the security mode procedure can be directly initiated at the RNC 30 to start ciphering/integrity check with the security parameters it received.
- FIG. 4 shows a signaling diagram of a redirecting procedure according to a third preferred embodiment.
- the first core network node CN 1 decides to redirect a registered (i.e. attached) terminal to the second core network node CN 2 .
- the cause of the redirection may be a command from the O&M (Operation and Maintenance) system (e.g. if the first core network node CN 1 needs to be switched off for maintenance or upgrade), a risk of overload, the request of a feature not supported in the first core network node CN 1 .
- O&M Operaation and Maintenance
- the first and second core network nodes CN 1 , CN 2 are preferably SGSNs.
- the first core network node CN 1 may have received a request to activate a real time PDP (Packet Date Protocol) context (L 3 message) with high throughput, that it cannot accept due to its current internal load situation.
- PDP Packet Date Protocol
- step 1 the first core network node CN 1 sends a redirect request message to the RNC 30 .
- This message contains the identity of the terminal, as well as preferably MM (Mobility Management) and PDP context information related to the terminal. If the full MM and PDP context information are not transmitted, at least the terminal identity in the form of P-TMSI and RA identity is needed, and the rest of the PDP context and MM contexts could be retrieved during step 4 a.
- MM Mobility Management
- the L 3 message is also embedded in the redirect message.
- the redirect message may also contain an identifier of the second core network node CN 2 , or alternatively the new node may be selected by the RNC 30 .
- the redirect message may also contain a cause indicating the reason of the redirection. It should be noted that the first core network node CN 1 is still storing MM and PDP context for this terminal, and possibly handling data traffic.
- the RNC 30 sends in step 2 a redirect forward message to the second core network node CN 2 .
- This message is preferably used to establish the lu signaling connection to the second core network node CN 2 . Therefore after this point all the L 3 signaling message sent by the terminal will reach the second core network node CN 2 (and not anymore the first core network node CN 1 ). However, data transfer is still going through the first network node CN 1 , if radio bearer were established toward the first core network node CN 1 before the redirect request message was sent.
- the lu connection toward the first core network node CN 1 has not been released, but is put on hold by the RNC 30 . It will normally be released by the first core network node CN 1 when receiving cancel message from HLR in step 6 .
- step 3 when receiving the redirect forward message, the second core network node CN 2 stores the terminal identity, and all associated MM and PDP context, but marks this context as unconfirmed. If an L 3 message was received, the second core network node CN 2 will store it in order to answer it if possible after the context will be confirmed.
- step 4 a the RNC 30 will, after having successfully delivered the redirect forward message, send an indication to the terminal to perform a Routing Area Update (RAU) procedure.
- RAU Routing Area Update
- a routing area update may thus be requested by the RNC 30 even if the routing area is not changed.
- the RNC 30 may do this by adding a new parameter (e.g. RAU Requested) to an existing RRC message UTRAN Mobility Information or by sending a new RRC message (e.g. RAU Requested) introduced for requesting routing area update.
- RAU Requested e.g. RAU Requested
- a standard Routing Area update procedure may be performed as described in the 3GPP specification 23.060. This is the preferred solution for a case where in step 1 the full MM and PDP context was not transferred. If the full MM and PDP context was transferred, the standard Routing Area update procedure may be optimized by not requesting the MM and PDP context from the old SGSN (i.e. SGSN context request; response and acknowledge message are omitted).
- the first core network node CN 1 will maintain its RAB established toward the RNC 30 until it receives a cancel message from the Home Location Register (HLR) (or more precisely a short time after receiving the cancel message to avoid losing packets).
- HLR Home Location Register
- the second core network node CN 2 updates the HLR (triggering HLR to send cancel message to the first core network node CN 1 ), updates the GGSN, and establishes the RAB from the second core network node CN 2 to the RNC 30 .
- step 4 b the second core network node CN 2 performs a P-TMSI reallocation procedure toward the UE 10 . Because it is assumed that the first and second core network nodes CN 1 , CN 2 share the same RAN based on the system described in the 3GPP specification 23.236, the change of the PTMSI is enough to communicate to the UE 10 the identity of the second core network node CN 2 (called Network Resource Identifier in the 3GPP specification 23.236).
- the second core network node CN 2 marks the new context as confirmed, updates the HLR (triggering HLR to send cancel message to CN 1 ), updates the GGSN, and establishes the RAB from the second core network node CN 2 to the RNC 30 (step 6 ).
- step 6 the unconfirmed part is deleted from the terminal context in the second core network node CN 2 , and the UE 10 has been successfully moved from the first core network node CN 1 to the second core network node CN 2 without losing its connection.
- An important benefit of this solution is that it does not requires changes to the terminal, i.e. UE 10 .
- step 4 a or 4 b cannot be performed successfully. It should then be distinguished between two possibilities, either the UE 10 comes back before the lu connection is released, or after.
- the L 3 message will be sent to second core network node CN 2 . If the UE 10 is sending a RAU request message, the case 4 a will apply. If the UE 10 sends another message (e.g. service request), the second core network node CN 2 performs at first a PTMSI reallocation as described in step 4 b, and after that answers the service request message. If the UE 10 sends data, it will still go through the first core network node CN 1 as the RAB are still established (if not, a service request message is needed).
- another message e.g. service request
- the second core network node CN 2 performs at first a PTMSI reallocation as described in step 4 b, and after that answers the service request message. If the UE 10 sends data, it will still go through the first core network node CN 1 as the RAB are still established (if not, a service request message is needed).
- the lu connection When the lu connection is released, this shall be indicated to both first and second core network nodes CNI, CN 2 .
- the second core network node CN 2 shall always accept the lu connection request, and shall erase the unconfirmed context after the lu release. The reason is that when the UE 10 will come back, the NAS node selection function (defined in the 3GPP specification 23.236) of the RNC 30 will direct the signaling message to the first core network node CN 1 as the PTMSI has not been changed in the UE 10 . If the UE 10 comes back after the lu connection is released, it will be handled normally by the first core network node CNI. In this error case, although the terminal redirection has failed it could be noticed that it had no impact on the terminal.
- the present invention can be implemented in any radio access network which is connected to more than one core network node (e.g. in GSM as well) to reduce signaling in the air interface, when data transmission is performed between core network nodes via the same radio access network.
- the names of various functional entities, such as the RNC 30 may be different in different cellular networks.
- the names used in the context of the preferred embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the invention. The preferred embodiments may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a method, system and network elements for forwarding a terminal identity, such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) or Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) from a first core network node to at least a second core network node via a common radio access network, such as a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN).
- The UMTS system consists of a number of logical network elements that each have a defined functionality. In the standards, network elements are defined at the logical level, but this quite often results in a similar physical implementation, especially since there are a number of open interfaces (for an interface to be “open”, the requirement is that it has been defined to such a detailed level that the equipment at the endpoints can be from two different manufacturers). The network elements can be grouped based on similar functionality, or based on which sub-network they belong to. Functionally, the network elements are grouped into the Radio Access Network (RAN) which handles all radio-related functionality, and the core network (CN) which is responsible for switching and routing calls and data connections to external networks. To complete the system, a terminal device or user equipment (UE) provides an interface to a user.
- From a specification and standardization point of view, both UE and UTRAN consist of completely new protocols, the design of which is based on the needs of the new Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) radio technology. On the contrary, the definition of the core networks is adopted from GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). This gives the system with new radio technology a global base of known and rugged core network technology which accelerates and facilitates its introduction, and enables such competitive advantages as global roaming.
- According to recent suggestions in standardization, an intradomain connection of RAN nodes to several CN nodes may be used to connect CN nodes of multiple operators to a single RAN. A Non-Access Stratum (NAS) node selection function in the RAN nodes differentiates between CN nodes which may be of different operators. Preferably, the available NRI values are split between the operators. The NAS node selection function in the RAN node is configured to know which NRI values belong to which operator. A mobile terminal which is not yet assigned to a CN node, i.e. there is no CN node configured for the NRI indicated by the mobile terminal, is assigned to an available CN node of that operator which uses the indicated NRI value. When no NRI value can be derived, the mobile terminal is assigned to a CN node selected from all available CN nodes. However, the selection of a CN node may result in the assignment to a CN node of a “wrong” operator as, for example, the NRI may be derived from a TMSI which was allocated by a CN node of another network or by a CN node of an area which does not use the intra-domain connection of RAN nodes to multiple CN nodes. In such a case, the CN node rejects the attach or update request procedure. The NAS node selection function in the RAN node then selects an available CN node of another operator.
- Currently, the TMSI or IMSI is provided in the attached message. Due to the above RAN sharing concept, each selected new CN node needs to derive the IMSI again. Deriving the IMSI includes radio signaling for identity request and authentication which implies significant delays. Such delays may exceed normal routing area update (RAU) procedure timings triggering the mobile terminal to resend its request message. Thus, network signaling is increased and a risk of misbehavior of the mobile terminal is introduced. Moreover, sending the IMSI several times over the radio interface is a security risk which should be avoided.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a concept for forwarding the terminal identity of a terminal device between core networks node sharing a common RAN, by means of which radio signaling and delays can be reduced and security enhanced.
- This object is achieved by a method for forwarding a terminal identity from a first core network node to a second core network node, said method comprising the steps of:
- deriving said terminal identity at said first core network node;
- transmitting said derived terminal identity to a radio access network shared by said first and second core network nodes;
- adding said terminal identity to a signaling message generated at said shared radio access network; and
- transmitting said signaling message to said second core network node.
- Preferably, this signaling message is the Initial signaling message used to establish a connection to the second core network node. It may also be a message dedicated for this purpose, or any signaling message sent by the radio access network to the second core network node, after the radio access network has received the terminal identity.
- Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a system for forwarding a terminal identity between core network nodes, said system comprising:
- a first core network node arranged to derive said terminal identity from a signaling message received from a concerned terminal device; and
- a radio access network shared by said first core network node and a second core network node and arranged to receive said derived terminal identity from said first core network node, and to add said received terminal identity to an initial signaling message;
- wherein said second core network node is arranged to receive said initial signaling message and to use said added terminal identity for addressing said terminal device.
- Additionally, the above object is achieved by a network element of a radio access network, said network element being arranged to receive a derived terminal identity from a first core network node, to add said terminal identity if available to a signaling message, and to transmit said initial signaling message to an other core network node.
- In addition thereto, the above object is achieved by a network element of a core network, said network element being arranged to extract a terminal identity of a terminal device from an initial signaling message generated at a radio access network, and to use said terminal identity for an initial access to said terminal device.
- Further, the above object is achieved by a network element of a core network, said network element being arranged to derive a terminal identity from a signaling message received from a terminal device, to evaluate said terminal identity as to whether said terminal device is to be served by said core network, and to transmit said derived terminal identity together with a request for re-direction to a radio access network if said evaluation indicates that said terminal device is to be served by another core network.
- Accordingly, additional delays due to unnecessary signaling requirements of the procedure can be minimized in RAN sharing concepts, since the terminal identity which has already been derived by the network node of the first core network can directly be used by the network node of the second core network without initiating a new deriving mechanism. Thereby, the risk of misbehaviors of the terminal device due to such a delay or the security risk due to additional transmissions of the terminal identity over the radio interface can be avoided. Additionally, the proposed solution of adding the derived terminal identity to an initial RAN signaling message provides the advantage that only small changes in the corresponding RAN signaling protocols are required.
- Moreover, security and location update procedures can be accelerated, since the terminal identity is send to the network node of the second core network from a trusted source, such that the location update can be performed immediately to the subscriber data base without waiting for the authentication procedure to be made over the radio interface. This again reduces the signaling in the air interface.
- The initial signaling message may preferably be a RANAP (Radio Access Network Application Part) Initial UE Message. Due to the fact that the Initial UE Message already includes specific information required by the addressed core network, such as a core network domain indicator and other domain specific parameters, the new feature can be introduced at small protocol changes. A
- The terminal identity is preferably an IMSI. But it may also be a PTMSI or TMSI, or any other terminal identity.
- According to an advantageous further development, security parameters may be transmitted together with the terminal identity from the first core network node via the shared access network to the second core network node. These security parameters, may comprise a simple indication that the radio connection is already secure (i.e. ciphering and integrity check are in use) and/or an integrity protection Information, encryption information, key status. Thereby, an authentication procedure is no longer required at the second core network node because authentication is normally used to make sure of the terminal identity and to derive security parameters (both are known from UTRAN with this invention)
- According to another advantageous further development, the terminal identity may be evaluated at the network node of the first core network, and the transmitting step to the radio access network may be performed if the result of the evaluation indicates that the terminal device is to be served by another core network. Thereby, knowledge gathered at the wrong first core network can be used at the correct second core network and does not have to be derived again.
- In this case, the transmitting step to the access network may comprise the step of transmitting a re-direction request from said network node of said first core network to said radio access network.
- According to another advantageous further development, the transmitting step to the access network may be performed during a Common ID procedure. Additionally, a security mode procedure may be performed directly between the network node of the first core network and the access network. Thereby, signaling via the air interface to the terminal device can be reduced.
- The network node of the first core network may be an SGSN or an MSC/VLR, while the network node of the second core network may be an MSC/VLR or an SGSN, respectively.
- Further advantageous developments are defined in the dependent claims.
- In the following, the present invention will be described in greater detail based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a network architecture having a shared radio access network, in which the present invention can be implemented;
- FIG. 2 shows a signaling diagram indicating a forwarding of a terminal identity between two core networks, according to a first preferred embodiment;
- FIG. 3 shows a signaling diagram indicating a forwarding of a terminal identity between two core networks, according to a second preferred embodiment; and
- FIG. 4 shows a signaling diagram indicating a forwarding of a terminal identity between two core networks, according to a third preferred embodiment.
- The preferred embodiments will now be described based on a UMTS network architecture in which two core networks CN1, CN2 are connected to a shared UTRAN, as indicated in FIG. 1.
- According to FIG. 1, a user equipment (UE)10 is connected via a radio interface to a radio network sub-system (RNS) of the UTRAN. The RNS comprises two
node Bs UE 10 and the respective node B) and lub interfaces (provided between a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 30 and thenode Bs 21, 22). However, it is noted, that the term “node B” may be replaced by the more generic term “base station” which has the same meaning. TheRNC 30 owns and controls the radio resources in its domain, i.e. thenode Bs 21 22 connected to it. TheRNC 30 is the service access point for all services the UTRAN provides to core networks (indicated as dofted boxes in FIG. 1) which share the UTRAN. Each of the core networks comprises a Mobile Services Switching Center/Visitor Location Register (MSC/VLR) 41, 51 having a switching function (MSC) and data base (VLR) serving theUE 10 in its current location for circuit switched (CS) services. The MSC function is used to switch CS transactions, and the VLR function holds a copy of a visiting user's service profile, as well as more precise information on the location of theUE 10 within the serving system. The part-of the core network which is accessed via the MSC/VLRs - Furthermore, each of the core networks comprises a Serving GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) Support Node (SGSN)42, 52 having a functionality similar to that of the MSC/
VLRs SGSNs - Thus, the system consists of at least one mobile terminal, i.e. the
UE 10, and one radio access network, i.e. the UTRAN, and at least two core networks being able to serve theUE 10 in a given area. To reduce the signaling requirements via the air interface between the UTRAN and theUE 10, it is suggested to transmit an authenticated terminal identity, e.g. IMSI, from a first one of the core networks to the UTRAN, and to forward this terminal identity from the UTRAN to a second one of the core networks e.g. when theUE 10 sends an initial message to the second one of the core networks, or when the first one was the wrong core network, or when a call is established through the second one of the core networks. - Furthermore, the preferred embodiments may be improved in that security parameters (e.g. Integrity Key (IK), Ciphering Key (CK)) are sent along with the terminal identity via the UTRAN from one of the core networks to the other. This provides the advantage that the other core network does not have to perform an authentication procedure across the radio interface to derive new security parameters. It is to be noted that the security parameters may as well be sent by the first one of the core networks to the UTRAN in a separate procedure.
- FIG. 2 shows a signaling diagram of a first preferred embodiment, where the RAN sharing is based on flexibility principles of the lu interface between the UTRAN and first and second core network nodes CN1, CN2. As already mentioned in the introductory portion, an attach or update request may be sent to a new core network which is not the proper one for the concerned terminal device, i.e. it belongs to a different operator.
- As shown in FIG. 2, a NAS (None-Access Stratum) message (i.e. a message which belongs to a protocol between the
UE 10 and a desired core network, that it is not terminated in the UTRAN) is transmitted from theUE 10 to theRNC 30 of the UTRAN via one of thenode Bs RNC 30 is arranged to incorporate this attach or RAU request into an Initial UE message of the RANAP (i.e. a signaling protocol in the lu interface that contains all the control information specified for the radio network layer). - The purpose of the Initial UE Message procedure is to establish an lu signaling connection between a CN domain and the
RNC 30 and to transfer the initial NAS packet data unit (NAS-PDU) to the concerned core network. This procedure uses a connection oriented signaling. When theRNC 30 has received from the radio interface the NAS message to be forwarded to a CN domain to which a lu signaling connection for theUE 10 does not exist, theRNC 30 initiates the initial UE Message procedure and sends an Initial UE Message to the concerned first core network node CN1, as indicated in FIG. 2. In addition to the received NAS-PDU, theRNC 30 may add other information to the Initial UE Message. This other information may comprise a CN domain indicator, indicating the CN domain toward which this message is sent, a Location Area Identity (LAI) which was the last LAI indicated to theUE 10 by the UTRAN via the current radio resource control (RRC) connection, or, if the UTRAN had not yet indicated any LAI to the UE via the current RRC connection, then the LAI of the cell via which the current RRC connection was established, an additional Routing Area Code (RAC) if the PS domain is used, a service area corresponding to at least one of the cells from which theUE 10 is consuming radio resources, an lu signaling connection identifier, and/or a global RNC identifier. The lu signaling connection identifier is allocated by theRNC 30, and is required by the first core network node CN1 for the duration of the lu connection. - According to the first preferred embodiment, the first core network node CN1, i.e. the MSC/
VLR 41 or theSGSN 42, receives the attach or routing area update or location area update request via the Initial UE Message from theUE 10 and derives the IMSI by e.g. a corresponding radio signaling which may include an identity request and an authentication procedure, and thus implies significant delays (IMSI and security parameters may also be requested from previous CN node as well). In a preferred implementation, it is recommended to follow the identity request procedure by an authentication procedure to ensure that the UE is who it claims to be. When knowing the IMSI, the first core network node CN1 may evaluate if it is the appropriate node to serve this IMSI (IMSI does indicate the home operator of the subscriber). The evaluation may also be made on the basis of the corresponding PTMSI/TMSI of theUE 10 if the first core network node CNI knows how the PTMSI/TMSI was allocated. In practice, this is possible if the old RA/LA belongs to same network. The evaluation indicates whether theUE 10 should be served by another core network sharing the UTRAN. - In particular, the first core network node CN1 may send a re-direct request message comprising the IMSI, and optionally security parameters to the
RNC 30 if theUE 10 should be served by the second core network node CN2. It should be noted that security parameters are typically sent to the UTRAN with a security mode command. However, as in this case, the first core network node CN1 decided to redirect this MS to another CN node, it has not sent the security mode command. Therefore the security parameters should be inserted in redirect request message. Thus, the first network node queried at the core network derives the IMSI of theUE 10 and indicates this IMSI, and optionally security parameters to the UTRAN in the re-direct request, if the first core network node CN1 is not the proper one. - Then, the
RNC 30 of the UTRAN adds the derived IMSI, and optionally security parameters to a new RANAP initial UE Message carrying the attach or routing area update request of theUE 10, and transmits this new initial UE Message to the network node, e.g. the MSC/VLR 51 or theSGSN 52, of the second core network node CN2, so that the second core network node CN2 does not have to derive the IMSI, and if security parameters are included, to perform authentication again. - In the following Table 1, an example is shown for a protocol change with regard to the available information elements (IEs) of the Initial UE Message. The proposed new conditional information elements “Terminal Identity” and “Security Parameters” are emphasized. In Table 1, “M” indicates mandatory IEs and “C” indicates conditional IEs.
TABLE 1 IE/Group Name Presence Message Type M CN Domain Indicator M LAI M RAC C - ifPS ? SAI M NAS-PDU M Iu Signalling Connection Identifier M Global RNC-ID M Terminal Identity C - if available Security parameters C - if available - By the transmission of the security parameters, it can be avoided that the first node receiving the Initial UE Message and the final node accepting the request of the
UE 10 have both to perform the authentication procedure. - In general, the above re-directing or forwarding procedure between the core networks can be repeated until a correct core network of the right operator has been reached, if the UTRAN is shared by more than two core networks.
- In addition, the idea described in FIG. 2 is also applicable if the two core network nodes belong to the same operator, and lu Flex is supported. In this case, when overloaded, the first CN node (e.g. SGSN) decides to redirect a Routing area update to another SGSN. In this case, the signaling is strictly identical to what is shown in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 3 shows a signaling diagram of a forwarding procedure according to a second preferred embodiment. In the second embodiment, the IMSI which has been derived e.g. at the
SGSN 42 may be transmitted to theRNC 30 of the UTRAN in the course of a Common ID procedure. The Common ID management is a function for sending the permanent identification of theUE 10 from a core network to the UTRAN to allow paging coordination from possibly two different CN domains. If theUE 10 is a packet terminal device, it is expected to have a radio connection established during quite a long time, to decrease packet transfer delay. Thus, the probability is high that the UTRAN already knows the IMSI of theUE 10, since the Common ID procedure was already performed. Furthermore, security parameters may already be available since a security mode procedure should have also already been performed between e.g. theSGSN 42 and the UTRAN to set the ciphering and integrity checking on or off. - Thus, when a call setup is received by the
RNC 30 from the MSC/VLR 51, in order to establish a call, theRAN 30 already knows the IMSI, and typically the security parameters of theUE 10. Thus, theRNC 30 may add this IMSI and optionally the security parameters to an Initial UE Message which is sent from theRNC 30 to the MSC/VLR 51. Thereby, it can be avoided that the MSC/VLR 51 has to issue an identity request toward theUE 10 to derive the IMSI. - It is noted that the above forwarding procedure according to the second embodiment may as well be performed from the MSC/
VLR 51 to theSGSN 42 by using a similar mechanism. Thus, in general, the procedure may be performed between an SGSN or an MSC/VLR and an MSC/VLR or, respectively, an SGSN. It should be noted, that the idea described above is applicable regardless if MSC and SGSN belong to the same operator or to different operators. - In addition, if the security parameters are included, the MSC/
VLR 51 does not have to perform the authentication over the radio interface, but the security mode procedure can be directly initiated at theRNC 30 to start ciphering/integrity check with the security parameters it received. - FIG. 4 shows a signaling diagram of a redirecting procedure according to a third preferred embodiment. In the third embodiment, the first core network node CN1 decides to redirect a registered (i.e. attached) terminal to the second core network node CN2. The cause of the redirection may be a command from the O&M (Operation and Maintenance) system (e.g. if the first core network node CN1 needs to be switched off for maintenance or upgrade), a risk of overload, the request of a feature not supported in the first core network node CN1. In this description the first and second core network nodes CN1, CN2 are preferably SGSNs.For example, the first core network node CN1 may have received a request to activate a real time PDP (Packet Date Protocol) context (L3 message) with high throughput, that it cannot accept due to its current internal load situation.
- In
step 1, the first core network node CN1 sends a redirect request message to theRNC 30. This message contains the identity of the terminal, as well as preferably MM (Mobility Management) and PDP context information related to the terminal. If the full MM and PDP context information are not transmitted, at least the terminal identity in the form of P-TMSI and RA identity is needed, and the rest of the PDP context and MM contexts could be retrieved during step 4 a. - If the redirect was triggered by an L3 request which could not be served by the first core network node CN1, the L3 message is also embedded in the redirect message. The redirect message may also contain an identifier of the second core network node CN2, or alternatively the new node may be selected by the
RNC 30. Optionally, the redirect message may also contain a cause indicating the reason of the redirection. It should be noted that the first core network node CN1 is still storing MM and PDP context for this terminal, and possibly handling data traffic. - When receiving the redirect request message, the
RNC 30 sends in step2 a redirect forward message to the second core network node CN2. This message is preferably used to establish the lu signaling connection to the second core network node CN2. Therefore after this point all the L3 signaling message sent by the terminal will reach the second core network node CN2 (and not anymore the first core network node CN1). However, data transfer is still going through the first network node CN1, if radio bearer were established toward the first core network node CN1 before the redirect request message was sent. In addition, the lu connection toward the first core network node CN1 has not been released, but is put on hold by theRNC 30. It will normally be released by the first core network node CN1 when receiving cancel message from HLR instep 6. - In
step 3, when receiving the redirect forward message, the second core network node CN2 stores the terminal identity, and all associated MM and PDP context, but marks this context as unconfirmed. If an L3 message was received, the second core network node CN2 will store it in order to answer it if possible after the context will be confirmed. - We here propose two possible examples, how the context can be confirmed.
- In a first example, (step4 a), the
RNC 30 will, after having successfully delivered the redirect forward message, send an indication to the terminal to perform a Routing Area Update (RAU) procedure. A routing area update may thus be requested by theRNC 30 even if the routing area is not changed. TheRNC 30 may do this by adding a new parameter (e.g. RAU Requested) to an existing RRC message UTRAN Mobility Information or by sending a new RRC message (e.g. RAU Requested) introduced for requesting routing area update. It should be noted that as the lu signaling connection has been established instep 2 toward the second core network node CN2, so it will receive the RAU request. - Then a standard Routing Area update procedure may be performed as described in the 3GPP specification 23.060. This is the preferred solution for a case where in
step 1 the full MM and PDP context was not transferred. If the full MM and PDP context was transferred, the standard Routing Area update procedure may be optimized by not requesting the MM and PDP context from the old SGSN (i.e. SGSN context request; response and acknowledge message are omitted). It should be noted that in this scenario there is no need to forward packets from the first core network node CN1 to the second core network node CN2 because the first core network node CN1 will maintain its RAB established toward theRNC 30 until it receives a cancel message from the Home Location Register (HLR) (or more precisely a short time after receiving the cancel message to avoid losing packets). As a part of the RAU procedure, the second core network node CN2 updates the HLR (triggering HLR to send cancel message to the first core network node CN1), updates the GGSN, and establishes the RAB from the second core network node CN2 to theRNC 30. - In a second example (step4 b), which is possible only if the full MM and PDP context were transferred in
steps UE 10. Because it is assumed that the first and second core network nodes CN1, CN2 share the same RAN based on the system described in the 3GPP specification 23.236, the change of the PTMSI is enough to communicate to theUE 10 the identity of the second core network node CN2 (called Network Resource Identifier in the 3GPP specification 23.236). - In both examples, after signaling of successful PTMSI reallocation or RA update in
step 5, the second core network node CN2 marks the new context as confirmed, updates the HLR (triggering HLR to send cancel message to CN1), updates the GGSN, and establishes the RAB from the second core network node CN2 to the RNC 30 (step 6). - Therefore, after
step 6, the unconfirmed part is deleted from the terminal context in the second core network node CN2, and theUE 10 has been successfully moved from the first core network node CN1 to the second core network node CN2 without losing its connection. An important benefit of this solution is that it does not requires changes to the terminal, i.e.UE 10. - It is noted that the description above applies to a successful case. It will be described below how the system should behave if for example the terminal is not reachable and so step4 a or 4 b cannot be performed successfully. It should then be distinguished between two possibilities, either the
UE 10 comes back before the lu connection is released, or after. - If the
UE 10 comes back before the lu connection is released, the L3 message will be sent to second core network node CN2. If theUE 10 is sending a RAU request message, the case 4 a will apply. If theUE 10 sends another message (e.g. service request), the second core network node CN2 performs at first a PTMSI reallocation as described in step 4 b, and after that answers the service request message. If theUE 10 sends data, it will still go through the first core network node CN1 as the RAB are still established (if not, a service request message is needed). - When the lu connection is released, this shall be indicated to both first and second core network nodes CNI, CN2. The second core network node CN2 shall always accept the lu connection request, and shall erase the unconfirmed context after the lu release. The reason is that when the
UE 10 will come back, the NAS node selection function (defined in the 3GPP specification 23.236) of theRNC 30 will direct the signaling message to the first core network node CN1 as the PTMSI has not been changed in theUE 10. If theUE 10 comes back after the lu connection is released, it will be handled normally by the first core network node CNI. In this error case, although the terminal redirection has failed it could be noticed that it had no impact on the terminal. - Thus, signaling requirements can be reduced by the proposed forwarding procedure, and attach or update requests can be re-directed at minimized additional delays.
- It is noted that the present invention can be implemented in any radio access network which is connected to more than one core network node (e.g. in GSM as well) to reduce signaling in the air interface, when data transmission is performed between core network nodes via the same radio access network. The names of various functional entities, such as the
RNC 30 may be different in different cellular networks. The names used in the context of the preferred embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the invention. The preferred embodiments may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims.
Claims (29)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2001/012134 WO2003037021A1 (en) | 2001-10-19 | 2001-10-19 | Forwarding a terminal identity between core network nodes |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040258019A1 true US20040258019A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 |
US7792078B2 US7792078B2 (en) | 2010-09-07 |
Family
ID=8164646
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/492,255 Active 2025-06-15 US7792078B2 (en) | 2001-10-19 | 2001-10-19 | Forwarding a terminal identity between core network nodes |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7792078B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1440594B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60120511T2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2263556T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003037021A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040048635A1 (en) * | 2002-09-09 | 2004-03-11 | Interdigital Technology Corporation | Vertical dynamic beam-forming |
US20050064889A1 (en) * | 2002-01-08 | 2005-03-24 | Serge Haumont | Selecting ggsn in shared mobile network |
US20050090255A1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-04-28 | Ravi Kuchibhotla | Wireless access network sharing among core networks and methods |
US20050197120A1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-09-08 | Ravi Kuchibhotla | Apparatus and method for mobile assignment |
US20060073831A1 (en) * | 2004-10-06 | 2006-04-06 | Nokia Corporation | Transfer of a user equipment in a communication system |
US20060183503A1 (en) * | 2002-09-09 | 2006-08-17 | Interdigital Technology Corporation | Reducing the effect of signal interference in null areas caused by overlapping antenna patterns |
US20060194580A1 (en) * | 2005-02-04 | 2006-08-31 | Infineon Technologies Ag | Mobile radio communication system |
US20070140112A1 (en) * | 2005-12-21 | 2007-06-21 | Nortel Networks Limited | Geographic redundancy in communication networks |
US20090111423A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-04-30 | Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. | Non-access stratum architecture and protocol enhancements for long term evolution mobile units |
US20100113017A1 (en) * | 2007-04-10 | 2010-05-06 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Method and a system for managing signaling peak loads |
CN1905753B (en) * | 2006-08-21 | 2010-06-09 | 华为技术有限公司 | Processing method of error derived network resource indicating in pool |
US20170280497A1 (en) * | 2007-01-08 | 2017-09-28 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Method for fast circuit switched service enabling handover from packet-switched only networks |
US20180242147A1 (en) * | 2013-12-23 | 2018-08-23 | Koninklijke Kpn N.V. | Method and System for Providing Security from a Radio Access Network |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9414255B2 (en) * | 2002-09-13 | 2016-08-09 | Alcatel Lucent | Packet flow control in a wireless communications network based on an indication contained in a packet |
US7415274B2 (en) * | 2003-02-19 | 2008-08-19 | Nokia Corporation | Routing procedure for a communication system |
DE10349853B4 (en) * | 2003-10-22 | 2010-09-02 | Nokia Siemens Networks Gmbh & Co.Kg | Method for registering a mobile terminal in a core network when access network nodes are shared by a plurality of core network nodes |
FR2861521B1 (en) * | 2003-10-22 | 2006-02-17 | Nortel Networks Ltd | METHOD FOR RECORDING A TERMINAL TO A CELLULAR RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND HEARTWORK SWITCH FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD |
EP1770917A1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-04-04 | Nortel Networks Limited | Method for managing communications and related core network node |
GB0521269D0 (en) * | 2005-10-19 | 2005-11-30 | Vodafone Plc | Identifying communications between telecommunications networks |
KR101213285B1 (en) * | 2006-01-04 | 2012-12-17 | 삼성전자주식회사 | METHOD AND APPRATUS FOR Session Initiation Protocol DATA TRANSMISSION OF IDLE MODE USER EQUIPMENT IN A MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM |
GB0601952D0 (en) * | 2006-01-31 | 2006-03-15 | M M I Res Ltd | Methods of maintaining connection with, and determining the direction of, a mobile device |
CN101399767B (en) | 2007-09-29 | 2011-04-20 | 华为技术有限公司 | Method, system and apparatus for security capability negotiation during terminal moving |
WO2015003753A1 (en) * | 2013-07-12 | 2015-01-15 | Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy | Redirection of m2m devices |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20010036829A1 (en) * | 1999-12-10 | 2001-11-01 | Mauro Costa | Mobile radio telecommunications system with improved hard handover |
US20020019241A1 (en) * | 1998-10-06 | 2002-02-14 | Jukka Vialen | Paging control method and apparatus |
US6349099B1 (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 2002-02-19 | Nokia Networks Oy | Connection identification in transmission system of wireless telecommunication network over ATM protocol stack |
US6397065B1 (en) * | 1997-02-19 | 2002-05-28 | Nokia Telecommunications Oy | Cellular radio access network and location updating in a cordless communications system |
US6792278B1 (en) * | 1998-04-03 | 2004-09-14 | Nokia Networks Oy | Method for establishing a signaling connection with a mobile station |
US7181212B2 (en) * | 2001-08-21 | 2007-02-20 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Method and apparatus for location area updating in cellular communications |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE513935C2 (en) * | 1997-10-10 | 2000-11-27 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | Process and system for data transfer between cooperating GRANs |
FI105964B (en) | 1998-12-16 | 2000-10-31 | Nokia Networks Oy | A method for managing mobile communications |
US6879832B1 (en) | 1999-02-26 | 2005-04-12 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Method and apparatus for transferring information between mobile terminals and entities in a radio access network |
-
2001
- 2001-10-19 ES ES01274589T patent/ES2263556T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-10-19 EP EP01274589A patent/EP1440594B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-10-19 WO PCT/EP2001/012134 patent/WO2003037021A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-10-19 US US10/492,255 patent/US7792078B2/en active Active
- 2001-10-19 DE DE60120511T patent/DE60120511T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6397065B1 (en) * | 1997-02-19 | 2002-05-28 | Nokia Telecommunications Oy | Cellular radio access network and location updating in a cordless communications system |
US6349099B1 (en) * | 1997-06-13 | 2002-02-19 | Nokia Networks Oy | Connection identification in transmission system of wireless telecommunication network over ATM protocol stack |
US6792278B1 (en) * | 1998-04-03 | 2004-09-14 | Nokia Networks Oy | Method for establishing a signaling connection with a mobile station |
US20020019241A1 (en) * | 1998-10-06 | 2002-02-14 | Jukka Vialen | Paging control method and apparatus |
US20010036829A1 (en) * | 1999-12-10 | 2001-11-01 | Mauro Costa | Mobile radio telecommunications system with improved hard handover |
US7181212B2 (en) * | 2001-08-21 | 2007-02-20 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Method and apparatus for location area updating in cellular communications |
Cited By (38)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050064889A1 (en) * | 2002-01-08 | 2005-03-24 | Serge Haumont | Selecting ggsn in shared mobile network |
US7236808B2 (en) * | 2002-09-09 | 2007-06-26 | Interdigital Technology Corporation | Vertical dynamic beam-forming |
US20040048635A1 (en) * | 2002-09-09 | 2004-03-11 | Interdigital Technology Corporation | Vertical dynamic beam-forming |
US7831280B2 (en) | 2002-09-09 | 2010-11-09 | Interdigital Technology Corporation | Reducing the effect of signal interference in null areas caused by overlapping antenna patterns |
US20070249405A1 (en) * | 2002-09-09 | 2007-10-25 | Interdigital Technology Corporation | Reducing the effect of signal interference in null areas caused by overlapping antenna patterns |
US20060183503A1 (en) * | 2002-09-09 | 2006-08-17 | Interdigital Technology Corporation | Reducing the effect of signal interference in null areas caused by overlapping antenna patterns |
US7245939B2 (en) | 2002-09-09 | 2007-07-17 | Interdigital Technology Corporation | Reducing the effect of signal interference in null areas caused by overlapping antenna patterns |
US9113438B2 (en) | 2003-10-07 | 2015-08-18 | Google Technology Holdings LLC | Apparatus and method for mobile assignment |
US20050090255A1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-04-28 | Ravi Kuchibhotla | Wireless access network sharing among core networks and methods |
US20050197120A1 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2005-09-08 | Ravi Kuchibhotla | Apparatus and method for mobile assignment |
US7561879B2 (en) * | 2003-10-07 | 2009-07-14 | Motorola, Inc. | Wireless access network sharing among core networks and methods |
US7697935B2 (en) * | 2004-10-06 | 2010-04-13 | Nokia Corporation | Transfer of a user equipment in a communication system |
US20060073831A1 (en) * | 2004-10-06 | 2006-04-06 | Nokia Corporation | Transfer of a user equipment in a communication system |
US8254906B2 (en) * | 2005-02-04 | 2012-08-28 | Intel Mobile Communications GmbH | Mobile radio communication system |
US20060194580A1 (en) * | 2005-02-04 | 2006-08-31 | Infineon Technologies Ag | Mobile radio communication system |
US9894577B2 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2018-02-13 | Intel Deutschland Gmbh | Mobile radio communication system |
US10419995B2 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2019-09-17 | Intel Deutchland Gmbh | Mobile radio communication system |
US11057812B2 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2021-07-06 | Apple Inc. | Mobile radio communication system |
US8023491B2 (en) * | 2005-02-04 | 2011-09-20 | Infineon Technologies Ag | Mobile radio communication system |
US8432890B2 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2013-04-30 | Intel Mobile Communications GmbH | Mobile radio communication system |
US20090275327A1 (en) * | 2005-02-04 | 2009-11-05 | Gruber Roland | Mobile radio communication system |
US8233384B2 (en) * | 2005-12-21 | 2012-07-31 | Rockstar Bidco, LP | Geographic redundancy in communication networks |
US20070140112A1 (en) * | 2005-12-21 | 2007-06-21 | Nortel Networks Limited | Geographic redundancy in communication networks |
CN1905753B (en) * | 2006-08-21 | 2010-06-09 | 华为技术有限公司 | Processing method of error derived network resource indicating in pool |
US10582558B2 (en) * | 2007-01-08 | 2020-03-03 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Method for fast circuit switched service enabling handover from packet-switched only networks |
US20170280497A1 (en) * | 2007-01-08 | 2017-09-28 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Method for fast circuit switched service enabling handover from packet-switched only networks |
US20100113017A1 (en) * | 2007-04-10 | 2010-05-06 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Method and a system for managing signaling peak loads |
US8532614B2 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2013-09-10 | Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. | Non-access stratum architecture and protocol enhancements for long term evolution mobile units |
US9408080B2 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2016-08-02 | Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. | Non-access stratum architecture and protocol enhancements for long term evolution mobile units |
TWI556659B (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2016-11-01 | 內數位專利控股公司 | A wireless transmit/receive unit and a method of transmitting or processing non-access stratum messages in a wireless transmit/receive unit |
CN104661216A (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2015-05-27 | 交互数字专利控股公司 | Method for transmitting non-access stratum (NAS) message in wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) and WTRU |
US9801072B2 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2017-10-24 | Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. | Non-access stratum architecture and protocol enhancements for long term evolution mobile units |
CN104618901A (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2015-05-13 | 交互数字专利控股公司 | Method for processing NAS information in WTRU and WTRU |
US8971847B2 (en) | 2007-10-25 | 2015-03-03 | Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. | Non-access stratum architecture and protocol enhancements for long term evolution mobile units |
TWI469555B (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2015-01-11 | 內數位專利控股公司 | Non-access stratum architecture and protocol enhancements for long term evolution mobile units |
US20090111423A1 (en) * | 2007-10-25 | 2009-04-30 | Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc. | Non-access stratum architecture and protocol enhancements for long term evolution mobile units |
US20180242147A1 (en) * | 2013-12-23 | 2018-08-23 | Koninklijke Kpn N.V. | Method and System for Providing Security from a Radio Access Network |
US10659960B2 (en) * | 2013-12-23 | 2020-05-19 | Koninklijke Kpn N.V. | Method and system for providing security from a radio access network |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1440594B1 (en) | 2006-06-07 |
ES2263556T3 (en) | 2006-12-16 |
DE60120511T2 (en) | 2007-01-11 |
DE60120511D1 (en) | 2006-07-20 |
US7792078B2 (en) | 2010-09-07 |
EP1440594A1 (en) | 2004-07-28 |
WO2003037021A1 (en) | 2003-05-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7792078B2 (en) | Forwarding a terminal identity between core network nodes | |
US7359347B2 (en) | Connections in a communication system | |
EP2934050B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for providing a connection | |
US7471957B2 (en) | Paging method and system for a radio access network | |
US6898433B1 (en) | Location management for cellular systems | |
JP5270657B2 (en) | Mobility management (MM) and session management (SM) for SAE / LTE | |
EP1834499B1 (en) | Method and system for service access control in shared networks | |
US6721566B2 (en) | Cell update in a cellular communications system | |
US7664265B2 (en) | Controlling communications between stations | |
US20080117870A1 (en) | Setting a communication channel | |
US20040266438A1 (en) | Methods involving a core network node that is handling a mobile subscriber and initiates a request to a second core network node to handle said mobile subscriber | |
JP2004519179A (en) | Method for supporting handover between radio access networks | |
JP2006005950A (en) | Identifying of mobile station in packet radio network | |
CA2462701A1 (en) | Address transition and message correlation between network nodes | |
TW200850021A (en) | Registering a mobile terminal in an area of overlapping cell coverage by first and second networks | |
US8116280B2 (en) | Method for managing communications and related core network node | |
US11483744B2 (en) | Methods and computing device for splitting traffic across multiple accesses | |
US20080095051A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for saving resources between core network and base station controller in a mobile communication system | |
GB2371179A (en) | Cell updates in a UMTS terrestrial radio access network | |
US6804533B1 (en) | Relocation of communication services | |
US7016679B2 (en) | Mobile network domain having a voice capable serving GPRS support node | |
KR100937046B1 (en) | Roaming Method between the Packet based on System and 3GPP System |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NOKIA CORPORATION, FINLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HAUMONT, SERGE;HURTTA, TUIJA;REEL/FRAME:016294/0072;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040604 TO 20040803 Owner name: NOKIA CORPORATION, FINLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HAUMONT, SERGE;HURTTA, TUIJA;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040604 TO 20040803;REEL/FRAME:016294/0072 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY, FINLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NOKIA CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:035602/0280 Effective date: 20150116 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552) Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 12 |